The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

Builder Confidence Edges Up in December, But Housing Market Pressures Remain

Confidence among U.S. home builders improved slightly in December, but it remains clearly negative as the year comes to an end. According to the latest National Association of Home Builders / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builders are still dealing with high construction costs, economic uncertainty, and buyer demand weakened by affordability pressure.
The index rose one point to 39 in December. While that shows modest improvement, it is still well below the neutral level of 50, which marks a balance between positive and negative sentiment. Builder confidence stayed under 50 for every month of 2025 and remained stuck in the high 30s during the final quarter.
To bring buyers back, builders are leaning more heavily on price cuts and incentives. In December, 40% of builders reported cutting prices, the second straight month at that level. The average price cut was 5%, slightly smaller than November’s reduction.
Incentives are even more common. About 67% of builders said they are offering incentives, the highest share seen since before the pandemic. These include mortgage rate buy-downs, closing cost help, and design upgrades meant to offset high monthly payments.
Rising costs continue to limit flexibility. Builders say higher material prices, labor costs, and tariff-related pressures are making it harder to deliver affordable homes. Competition is also increasing as inventory grows, giving buyers more choices and stronger negotiating power.
Looking ahead, builders show some cautious optimism. The index tracking future sales expectations rose to 52, staying above the breakeven level for the third month in a row. Still, buyer traffic remains very weak, holding at just 26, which shows many shoppers are waiting for lower rates or better affordability.
As 2026 approaches, builders see potential improvement, but challenges remain. Progress will depend on mortgage rates easing further, costs stabilizing, and buyers feeling more confident about their finances. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/builder-confidence-edges-up-in-december-but-housing-market-pressures-remain/
#HousingMarket #HomeBuilders #NewConstruction #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates

Fannie Mae Forecast Housing Market Set for Steady, Moderate Growth Through 2026

The U.S. housing market is expected to regain momentum slowly but steadily as it moves into 2026, according to a new outlook from Fannie Mae. The organization’s Economic and Strategic Research Group says the market is shifting toward stability, not a sharp rebound, as buyers, sellers, and builders adjust to higher interest rates and new affordability limits.
One of the key takeaways from the forecast is that home construction is holding firm. Housing starts are expected to stay near 1.3 million units per year in 2026, about the same level seen in 2025. Builders are staying active, even with affordability pressure, because resale inventory remains limited. Single-family construction is expected to improve modestly, while multifamily construction should level out as supply and demand come back into balance.
Home sales are also expected to improve. Fannie Mae projects total annual home sales reaching about 5.5 million units by late 2026, a gain of roughly 7% based on quarterly trends. Both new and existing homes are expected to contribute, as buyers slowly return after waiting on the sidelines. Rather than a sudden surge, this growth is expected to be broad and gradual across regions.
Home prices are forecast to keep rising, but at a slower pace. After several years of strong gains, price growth is expected to cool through 2026 and 2027. National price declines are not expected, but rapid appreciation is likely behind us as higher borrowing costs limit how much buyers can pay.
Mortgage rates remain central to the outlook. The average 30-year fixed rate is expected to stay above 6% through much of 2026, with gradual easing later on. As rates slowly improve, mortgage activity should rise, driven mainly by home purchases. Refinancing will continue, but far below the boom years of ultra-low rates.
Overall, Fannie Mae’s outlook points to a housing market defined by balance. Demand is steady, construction is controlled, prices are moderating, and uncertainty is easing. The market is not racing forward—but it is moving in the right direction.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/fannie-mae-forecast-housing-market-set-for-steady-moderate-growth-through-2026/
#HousingMarket2026 #MortgageRates #HomeSales #RealEstateOutlook #FannieMae

Best Places to Live in 2026 New Rankings Highlight America’s Most Livable Metro Areas

Choosing where to live in 2026 is about more than just rent prices. People are looking for places that feel affordable, offer steady jobs, provide access to healthcare, and support a real sense of community. To help answer that question, RentCafe reviewed 149 U.S. metro areas to find the most livable places heading into the new year.
The rankings are based on 17 everyday factors, including cost of living, job stability, education, healthcare access, commute times, and social life. One trend stands out clearly: the Midwest continues to perform well, placing six metros in the top 20. Still, the top-ranked metro may surprise some people.
Taking the number one spot for 2026 is Washington, D.C.. After ranking seventh last year, the metro jumped to first thanks to strong scores in quality of life and community connection. The area benefits from excellent healthcare access, a highly educated population, and a wide range of social, professional, and civic groups. Cultural institutions, museums, and career networking opportunities also play a big role in daily life.
Coming in second is Portland, which held the top spot last year. While living costs are higher than average, Portland stands out for low unemployment, steady job growth, and a strong food and arts scene. Easy access to healthcare, colleges, and outdoor recreation makes it attractive for people seeking balance.
In third place is Kansas City, a clear Midwest value leader. The metro combines below-average living costs with income growth and short commute times. Parks, colleges, and entertainment are easy to reach, giving residents more time outside of work.
Fourth is Des Moines, which earns high marks for job stability, manageable housing costs, and short commutes. Insurance, finance, and tech continue to support a steady local economy.
Rounding out the top five is Ann Arbor, anchored by the University of Michigan. The area stands out for healthcare access, education, walkability, and a strong sense of community.
Overall, these rankings show that livability in 2026 is about balance. Housing costs matter, but so do jobs, healthcare, commute times, and social connection. For many people, a high quality of life may be found by looking beyond the largest and most expensive cities.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/best-places-to-live-in-2026-new-rankings-highlight-americas-most-livable-metro-areas/
#BestPlacesToLive #HousingTrends2026 #CostOfLivingb#QualityOfLife #USCities

Potential Fed Chair Says U S Is Late Cutting Rates as Economy Speeds Up

A leading contender to become the next chair of the Federal Reserve says the U.S. is moving too slowly when it comes to cutting interest rates.
Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, told CNBC that the Federal Reserve is “way behind the curve” compared with other major central banks around the world. His comments come at a time when the U.S. economy is showing strong growth and inflation pressures appear to be easing.
Hassett is widely viewed as a top candidate to replace Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chair ends in May. That has put extra attention on his views about where interest rates should be headed next.
New economic data adds fuel to the debate. The U.S. economy grew at a 4.3% annual pace in the third quarter, well above the 3.2% growth economists had expected. Hassett said part of that strength is coming from rapid gains in productivity, driven by advances in artificial intelligence. He argues that AI is helping boost output without pushing prices higher, reducing the need for tight monetary policy.
Hassett also pointed to trade policy as a factor behind the strong growth. He said tariffs implemented under the Trump administration helped narrow the trade deficit, contributing roughly 1.5 percentage points to third-quarter growth. According to Hassett, that improvement supports the case for lower interest rates.
The Federal Reserve has already cut rates three times in 2025, including a quarter-point cut earlier this month. But policymakers signaled that future cuts may come more slowly. The December decision was unusually divided, with three Fed governors voting against the cut. Powell later described the move as a close call, showing growing disagreement inside the central bank.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the Fed for not cutting rates faster and has said he plans to announce his pick for the next Fed chair soon. He has made it clear he wants someone who supports much lower rates.
Hassett says that if nominated, he would respect the Fed’s independence. Still, who leads the central bank next could have a major impact on interest rates, housing costs, and overall economic confidence as the U.S. heads into 2026. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/potential-fed-chair-says-u-s-is-late-cutting-rates-as-economy-speeds-up/
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #USاقتصاد #MortgageRates #EconomicOutlook

Mortgage Rates Slide to Lowest Point in Nearly a Month

Mortgage rates moved lower on Wednesday, reaching their lowest levels in nearly a month, even as the bond market operated on a shortened holiday schedule. While there was no major economic report or headline driving the move, the timing worked in borrowers’ favor.
Holiday weeks often bring unusual market behavior. With fewer traders active and lighter overall volume, even small trades can move prices more than usual. That’s exactly what happened this time. The bond market—which directly influences mortgage rates—saw modest gains, and those gains translated into lower rates for borrowers.
As a result, the average top-tier 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to its best level since November 25. It’s a welcome improvement, especially for buyers and homeowners who have been watching rates closely over the past few weeks.
That said, it’s important to keep the move in perspective. Mortgage rates have been stuck in a relatively narrow range for quite some time. Today’s drop places rates near the lower end of that range, but it does not signal a major shift in trend.
In practical terms, this means a few things. Rates are better than they were earlier in the month. The improvement is real, but modest. And volatility may continue as holiday trading conditions remain in place.
Looking ahead, holiday schedules can still produce small and sometimes random rate changes. However, sustained momentum—either higher or lower—is unlikely until markets return to normal volume and fresh economic data begins to arrive in January.
For now, borrowers get a small but timely win. Mortgage rates are sitting at their most favorable levels in weeks, even if the reason has more to do with holiday market dynamics than long-term fundamentals. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rates-slide-to-lowest-point-in-nearly-a-month/
#HousingMarket #BuyersMarket #RealEstateTrends #HomePrices #Housing2026

Buyer’s Market Takes Hold as U S Home Sellers Outnumber Buyers

All-cash home purchases are becoming more common across the U.S. housing market, and high mortgage rates are a big reason why. New data from the National Association of Realtors shows that for the past three years, more than one in four homes nationwide have been bought without financing.
Mortgage rates rose sharply after the pandemic, climbing from historic lows to nearly 8% by late 2023. Even though rates eased slightly, they stayed mostly in the low-to-mid 6% range throughout 2025. That shift made borrowing far more expensive, pushing many buyers to rethink how they purchase homes.
For buyers with savings, equity, or access to capital, paying cash has become an attractive option. Some are using cash as a short-term strategy—closing without a loan now and refinancing later if rates improve. For first-time and lower-income buyers, however, higher rates have made competing much harder.
Existing homeowners have a clear advantage. Years of rising home prices have built up equity, allowing repeat buyers to make strong cash offers on their next home, vacation property, or investment. By October 2025, nearly 29% of all home sales were cash purchases, up sharply from five years earlier.
Sellers often prefer cash offers because they reduce risk. There’s no lender approval, fewer delays, and a higher chance the deal closes on time. In competitive markets, that certainty can matter just as much as price.
Cash buyers are most common among investors and vacation-home buyers. More than half of those purchases are now made entirely with cash. In contrast, most primary home buyers still rely on mortgages, especially first-time buyers, where cash purchases remain rare.
The takeaway is clear: as long as borrowing stays expensive, cash buyers will continue to hold an edge. This trend is widening the gap between buyers who can leverage equity or savings and those who must depend on financing—a dynamic that is likely to carry into 2026. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/buyers-market-takes-hold-as-u-s-home-sellers-outnumber-buyers/
#HousingMarket #BuyersMarket #RealEstateTrends #HomePrices #Housing2026

Why Non QM Lending Is Shaping the Future of the Mortgage Market

All-cash home purchases are becoming more common across the U.S. housing market, and high mortgage rates are a big reason why. New data from the National Association of Realtors shows that for the past three years, more than one in four homes nationwide have been bought without financing.
Mortgage rates rose sharply after the pandemic, climbing from historic lows to nearly 8% by late 2023. Even though rates eased slightly, they stayed mostly in the low-to-mid 6% range throughout 2025. That shift made borrowing far more expensive, pushing many buyers to rethink how they purchase homes.
For buyers with savings, equity, or access to capital, paying cash has become an attractive option. Some are using cash as a short-term strategy—closing without a loan now and refinancing later if rates improve. For first-time and lower-income buyers, however, higher rates have made competing much harder.
Existing homeowners have a clear advantage. Years of rising home prices have built up equity, allowing repeat buyers to make strong cash offers on their next home, vacation property, or investment. By October 2025, nearly 29% of all home sales were cash purchases, up sharply from five years earlier.
Sellers often prefer cash offers because they reduce risk. There’s no lender approval, fewer delays, and a higher chance the deal closes on time. In competitive markets, that certainty can matter just as much as price.
Cash buyers are most common among investors and vacation-home buyers. More than half of those purchases are now made entirely with cash. In contrast, most primary home buyers still rely on mortgages, especially first-time buyers, where cash purchases remain rare.
The takeaway is clear: as long as borrowing stays expensive, cash buyers will continue to hold an edge. This trend is widening the gap between buyers who can leverage equity or savings and those who must depend on financing—a dynamic that is likely to carry into 2026. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/high-mortgage-rates-push-more-buyers-toward-all-cash-home-deals-nar-says/
#HousingMarket #CashBuyers #MortgageRates#RealEstateTrends #HomeBuying

Why Non QM Lending Is Shaping the Future of the Mortgage Market

Imagine a business owner who runs a profitable restaurant, brings in millions in annual revenue, but shows modest income on paper after deductions. Under traditional mortgage rules, that borrower is often denied. Under non-qualified mortgage lending, that same borrower can qualify and close quickly. Stories like this are no longer rare—they’re becoming common, and they’re reshaping the mortgage industry.
Non-QM lending has moved far beyond a niche solution. Today, millions of Americans are self-employed, investing in real estate, or earning income from multiple sources. Traditional loans still rely heavily on W-2s and tax returns, which often don’t reflect true financial strength. Non-QM loans focus instead on real cash flow, assets, and rental income. For mortgage professionals, understanding these programs is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Investor demand is a major driver of non-QM growth. Investors now account for more than a quarter of all home purchases nationwide. One of the most popular tools is the DSCR loan, which qualifies borrowers based on property income rather than personal income. If the rent covers the payment, the loan works. This has opened doors for long-term rentals, short-term rentals, and investors building multi-property portfolios.
Technology is also changing the game. Income reviews that once took weeks can now happen in hours. Automated systems analyze bank statements, identify real income, and flag risks more accurately. Faster approvals mean faster closings, which matters in today’s competitive market.
Capital markets are fully behind non-QM lending. Strong performance has led to more programs, better pricing, and consistent guidelines across lenders. Bank statement loans, DSCR loans, asset-based programs, and foreign national loans are now mainstream options.
The bottom line is simple: work and income have changed, and lending is catching up. Non-QM reflects how people really earn and invest today. Mortgage professionals who embrace it will grow. Those who don’t risk being left behind. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/why-non-qm-lending-is-shaping-the-future-of-the-mortgage-market/
#NonQMLoans #MortgageIndustry #RealEstateInvesting #SelfEmployedBorrowers #ModernLending

Affordable Housing in 2026 Hope, Pressure, and the Hard Work Ahead

The affordable housing shortage didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of rising construction costs, limited supply, and growing demand. As the U.S. moves toward 2026, developers, lenders, and local leaders are searching for realistic ways to close the gap between what people can afford and what actually gets built. This challenge isn’t just about housing—it also affects jobs, local investment, and long-term community stability.
Despite the pressure, there is cautious optimism. A recent survey by TD Bank at New Jersey’s Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development found that just over half of respondents believe access to affordable housing could improve in 2026. Even more expect development activity to increase.
Most of that demand is focused on multifamily housing, senior housing, and workforce housing for middle-income and essential workers. These segments reflect where the need is strongest.
Still, optimism runs into real limits. Rising construction costs remain the biggest obstacle, followed closely by price increases tied to tariffs. Because of these financial pressures, fewer than one-third of developers plan to expand housing production next year. Demand is strong, but feasibility remains uncertain.
Challenges also vary by region. Urban areas face high land prices and long approval timelines, while rural areas often lack builders, labor, and basic infrastructure. In response, many developers are adjusting their approach rather than stepping away entirely.
New strategies are gaining traction. Transit-oriented development is growing, placing housing closer to jobs and public transportation to reduce living costs. Adaptive reuse is also becoming more common, with older malls, offices, and schools converted into housing faster than building from scratch.
The stakes are high. The U.S. is short millions of affordable rental homes, while many older homeowners are staying put, keeping supply tight. At the same time, policy uncertainty around federal housing programs adds risk for future projects.
Local governments are stepping in where possible, with zoning reforms and land-use changes that allow more housing options. Strong partnerships between banks, developers, nonprofits, and local leaders will be critical.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with smart planning and collaboration, 2026 could mark real progress instead of another year of delay. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/affordable-housing-in-2026-hope-pressure-and-the-hard-work-ahead/
#AffordableHousing  #HousingCrisis  #RealEstateDevelopment  #HousingPolicy  #CommunityGrowth

Existing Home Sales Rise Slightly, but Buyers Stay Cautious Heading Into Winter

Mortgage rates opened the holiday-shortened week with almost no change, reflecting calm conditions across financial markets. Bond yields, which closely influence mortgage rates, finished Monday near the same levels seen late last week. With no meaningful movement in bonds, lenders had little reason to adjust pricing.
As a result, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains near the lower end of the narrow range that has held for roughly four months. If rates were to fall meaningfully from here, they would move into territory not seen in more than three years. For now, though, stability is the dominant theme.
Holiday trading is a major reason rates may stay stuck. Over the next two weeks, bond markets will be fully closed for two days and partially closed on two others. Even on open days, trading volume will be much lighter than normal.
When participation drops this much, markets often behave in uneven ways. Small rate swings can happen, but they are usually short-lived and driven more by thin trading than real economic shifts. In most years, mortgage rates simply drift sideways during the holiday period.
Because of that, markets are unlikely to establish a clear direction until January. Once the holiday slowdown ends, investors will turn their attention back to fresh economic data. One of the most important upcoming releases is the January 9 jobs report, which often plays a major role in shaping bond yields and mortgage rates.
Until then, lenders are expected to remain cautious. Without new data, there’s little incentive to push rates higher or lower in a meaningful way.
For borrowers, the takeaway is straightforward. Mortgage rates are stable, but patience may be required for any real improvement. Rather than focusing on daily changes, borrowers should base rate decisions on personal timelines, comfort with risk, and closing needs.
As normal market activity resumes in January, jobs data, inflation reports, and broader economic trends will once again drive where mortgage rates go next. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rates-stay-flat-as-holiday-trading-slows-the-market/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #HomeBuyers#RealEstateNews